Is Shiseido Company Cruelty-Free And Vegan?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: January 2024.
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Shiseido Company is famous for owning its extensive list of beauty and skincare brands. However, the Shiseido Company itself is not cruelty-free or vegan.

Shiseido is a well-known Japanese multinational corporation primarily focused on beauty, skincare, hair care, cosmetics, and personal care products. Founded in 1872, Shiseido initially began as Japan’s first Western-style pharmacy in Tokyo’s Ginza district. 

The company quickly expanded its offerings from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics, eventually becoming a pioneering force in Japan’s beauty industry. Shiseido Company’s brands are known for their innovation, quality, and commitment to research and development, often incorporating cutting-edge technology and scientific advancements into their products.

Over the years, Shiseido Company has grown into a global parent firm, with a strong presence in various markets worldwide. Its dedication to innovation, cultural sensitivity, and high-quality products has solidified its position as one of the leaders in the beauty and cosmetics industry. But is Shiseido Company cruelty-free and vegan?

Is Shiseido Company Vegan?

No. Shiseido Company is not a vegan firm. Within its extensive brand portfolio, Shiseido incorporates animal-derived ingredients across its products. Moreover, the company doesn’t meet the criteria for being considered cruelty-free due to its allowance for animal testing. Therefore, Shiseido Company doesn’t align with vegan standards.

A vegan skincare product does not contain ingredients of animal origin. This means that none of its ingredients are derived from animals or their by-products. In addition, vegan skincare is never tested on animals. Meaning it is always cruelty-free.

Read more about Vegan And Cruelty-Free Skincare: Are They The Same?

Shiseido Company Vegan Overview

Is a vegan firm: no
Owns vegan brands: no
Tests on animals: yes, where required by law
Sold where animal testing is mandatory: yes

Is Shiseido Company Cruelty-Free?

Shiseido Company is not cruelty-free. Although some of its owned brands might be cruelty-free individually, Shiseido Company’s policy overall is that it allows animal tests.

It mostly happens in markets where animal testing is required by law, like in China. Even if Shiseido doesn’t directly perform these tests itself, selling in China means consenting to potential animal testing by local authorities. 

As a result, this practice doesn’t meet cruelty-free standards because it indirectly allows animal testing, making Shiseido Company a non-cruelty-free parent company.

Shiseido Company Brands

Which Drunk Elephant Products Are Vegan

Shiseido Company possesses a wide-ranging collection of esteemed beauty, skincare, fragrance, and makeup brands. While the company allows animal testing in areas where it’s required by law, certain brands under its ownership have their own policies. Meaning, that some of its owned brands are certified as cruelty-free and do not sell in regions where animal testing is mandatory. 

However, it’s important to note that even though these specific brands maintain cruelty-free standards, they operate under a parent company that isn’t recognized as cruelty-free.

Drunk Elephant

Drunk Elephant, a highly praised skincare brand, has gained cult status for its innovative approach and effective results. They prioritize skin health over the natural vs. synthetic debate, focusing on biocompatible ingredients. Drunk Elephant is not fully vegan but is Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free.

Drunk Elephant offers numerous vegan skincare, body, and hair products, excluding animal-derived ingredients. Read more: List Of Drunk Elephant Vegan Products

Shiseido

Shiseido, founded in 1872 in Tokyo, Japan, merges Western science with Eastern aesthetics for premium beauty items. It offers luxury Japanese cosmetics, skincare, and hair care. However, Shiseido is not vegan or cruelty-free. It uses animal-derived ingredients and permits testing where mandated. Read more: Is Shiseido Vegan?

NARS

NARS, established in 1994 by François Nars, is famed for vibrant hues and luxurious textures in its cosmetics line. Despite its popularity, NARS is not vegan or cruelty-free. NARS uses animal-derived ingredients and permits animal testing where required by law. Read more: Is NARS Vegan?

FAQ About Shiseido Company

Is Shiseido Company cruelty-free?

No. Shiseido Company is not cruelty-free. Although some of its owned brands might be cruelty-free individually, Shiseido Company’s policy overall is that it allows animal tests.

Is Drunk Elephant vegan?

No. Drunk Elephant is not fully vegan but is Leaping Bunny-certified cruelty-free. Drunk Elephant offers numerous vegan skincare, body, and hair products, excluding animal-derived ingredients.

Is NARS cruelty-free?

No. Despite its popularity, NARS is not vegan or cruelty-free. NARS uses animal-derived ingredients and permits animal testing where required by law.

Does Shiseido have vegan products?

No. Shiseido is not vegan or cruelty-free. It uses animal-derived ingredients and permits testing where mandated.

Summary

Shiseido Company is a global leader in beauty and skincare and owns an array of esteemed brands like Shiseido, NARS, and Drunk Elephant. However, Shiseido Company as a parent company is not cruelty-free or vegan.

We hope that Shiseido Company will take on the goal of going cruelty-free and vegan one day. Until then, keep checking Vegan Avenue for an updated vegan brands list.

See also: Best Vegan Skincare BrandsBest Vegan Makeup

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.